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“Both? Can I do that?” he asks. “Though if you held a gun to my head and forced me to choose, it would be Chinese.” He narrows his eyes, his expression making me giggle. “Favorite color?”
“Blue,” I say. Like your eyes.
I shake my head, no idea where that thought came from. I study my menu, the connection between us broken by my own stupid thoughts. When the waitress approaches us to take our orders I almost jump up and kiss her, the interruption a perfectly timed distraction.
“I’ll have the fish ragout,” I say, setting my menu down.
“And I’ll go
with the grilled steak and mushroom medley.” Max hands his menu back to the waitress and I do the same.
She smiles and leaves us alone again.
“So, how do you know Grant?” he asks, his voice casual.
“He’s married to my sister,” I remind him, giggling.
His face reddens and I laugh. “Shit, I knew that. Sorry,” he says with a wry grin. “I’m trying my best to keep this light and fun and not the slightest bit uncomfortable.” He makes a face. “Though if I told you about some of the ‘dates’ Grant has set me up on over the years, you’d see this is nothing.”
“Oh, you have to tell me now,” I say, leaning forward. “I love disaster romance stories.”
“Then I’m your guy,” he says, slapping his chest. He sits back in his chair, a crooked smile on his face. “God, where do I even start? One woman left me halfway through a date to sleep with some other dude she’d met online…in the bathrooms at the restaurant I’d reserved for us.”
“No,” I laugh, “you’re kidding me. How did you even find out?” I ask.
“When I went into the men’s room and found them going at. She didn’t even have the decency to apologize.” He shakes his head. “The sad part is that was one of Grant’s set ups. Hell, most of the worst ones were Grant’s doing.” He smiles, his eyes twinkling. “I’m actually kind of impressed at how normal you seem.”
“Thanks, I think,” I giggle. “I’m not sure if I’m flattered or insulted to be one of Grant’s set ups. Remind me never to go to him for dating advice.”
He laughs and reaches for his drink, his eyes not leaving mine. I’m having fun and I love how he makes me laugh, but I’m still worried that he hasn’t gotten the message. I’m in no way ready for a relationship, no matter how sexy and charming this guy is.
We finish our meal, and I check the time on my phone. Wow. We’ve been here nearly three hours. I’m shocked at how quickly time has passed. When the waitress places our bill on the table, I pull out my credit card.
“No way, you’re not paying,” he says, reaching out to touch my hand.
I jump, not expecting his touch or the jolt of chemistry that pulsates through my body after it. I move my hand away quickly, my heart racing.
“Trust me, Ellie will be paying for this night—in more ways than one.” I grin. I wave the waitress over and hand her the card. She charges it and returns it to me.
“Look,” Max begins as we walk toward the door, “I know this isn’t something you wanted, but I had fun. Any chance you’d like to do this again sometime?”
“Look, you seem like a lovely guy, but my life is pretty difficult at the moment. I’m actually engaged . . .” I wet my lips, my voice trailing off as his expression changes to one of shock, and then understanding.
“Oh. Ellie didn’t mention that.”
“That’s because Ellie thinks it’s time for me to move on.”
“Right,” he says, decisively. “Well, it was lovely to meet you, Kiara.” He leans in and kisses me on the cheek.
I breathe out, caught off-guard as the musky scent of his aftershave hits my senses.
“You too.” I smile. I dig out my keys and unlock my car. The second I’m safely inside, I grab my phone and call Ellie.
“Don’t hate me,” she pleads.
“I cannot believe you fucking did that to me,” I growl, tears springing in my eyes. I’m so angry that I’m having trouble letting it out.. “Do you have any idea how awkward that whole night was? Was Mom in on it, too?”
“No, Mom didn’t know anything. I haven’t spoken to her in weeks. I’m so sorry, Kiara. I thought—”
